Concrete form securing means

ABSTRACT

A securing means for maintaining the two sides of a concrete form in fixed spaced relation before, during and after pouring the concrete. The securing means includes a tie wire or rod intended to extend between and through a pair of spaced forms and one embodiment having at each end a double head capable of being twisted, the rod being weakened in the region between the forms, for severance for removal on application of sufficient torque. A tie strap is received between each double head and is secured to the form to prevent inward collapse of the form. A wedge engages each headed end to prevent relative inward and outward movement of the form. Another embodiment is provided with a single polygonal head at each end having a central axially extending projection and the end of the tie strap is provided with a lateral portion having a perforation fitting the projection.

United States Patent 1191 Rugg r 1451 June 26, 1973 CONCRETE FORM SECURING MEANS [76] Inventor: Warren E. Rugger, PO. Box 127, T Spencer Overholser Lakewood Calif. 90714 Assistant Examiner-John S. Brown V Attorney-Charles G. Lyons et al. [22] Filed: Mar. 31, 1972 [2]] Appl. No.: 240,005 [57] ABSTRACT Related U.S. Application Data A securing means for maintaining the two sides of a [63] Continuation-impart of Ser. No. 191,181, Oct. 21, concrete form in fixed Spaced relation before during 1971 abandoned, and after pouring the concrete. The securing means includes a tie wire or rod intended to extend between and [52] U.S. C1. 249/216 ug a pa of pa d f rms and one embodiment [51] Int. Cl. E04g 17/06 having at each d a d u h ad apa le of being [5 8] Field of Search 249/190, 191, 213.318, twisted, the rod being weakened in the region between 249/219 R, 219 N, 40-43, 45-47; 24/73 B the forms, for severance for removal on application of sufficient torque. A tie strap is received between each [56] References Cit d double head and is secured to the form to prevent in- UNITED STATES PATENTS ward collapse of the form. A wedge engages each 3 417 958 12/1968 Ru er 249M) headed end to prevent relative inward and outward 2168990 8/1939 X movement of the form. Another embodiment is pro- 213231705 7/1943 Cooper 249/215 afimgle plygnal head each end having 3,284,043 11/1966 Campo 249/41 a central anally extending Projection and the end of 1,850,462 3/1932 Kinninger 249/214 x the tie Strap is Provided with a lateral portion having 1,863,177 6/1932 Wilson 249/40 X perforation fitting the projection. 2,020,515 10/1933 Newton.... 249/219 R X 2,784,476 3 1957 249/218 10 Chill", 17 Drawmg Figures Ber'gdal....

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sum 2 or 2 CONCRETE FORM SECURING MEANS This application is a continuation-in-part of the copending application, Ser. No. 191,181, filed Oct. 21, 1971 and now abandoned.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is related to my previous invention disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,417,958; both being directed to the receiving or retension of a pair of forms in fixed spaced relation, and is summarized in the following objects:

First, to provide a concrete form securing means which permits rapid assembly and disassembly of the forms by utilization of a series of expendable tie rods each in conjunction with a pair of tie straps, and a pair of slotted wedge members.

Second, to provide a securing means, as indicated in the previous object, wherein an embodiment of the tie rod is provided at each end with a special head and the corresponding end of each tie strap is uniquely shaped so that both are received by the slot of the wedge member for retension of the tie strap and tie rod in relative fixed foundation.

Third, to provide a concrete form securing means wherein another embodiment of each tie rod is provided with a polygonal head having a projection and each tie strap is provided with a perforated lateral portion which fits over and is removably retained by a corresponding projection, in relatively fixed position.

Fourth, to provide a form securing means wherein the tierods have torsionally weak zones located within the concrete when poured, and wrench receiving extremities which permit the application of torque sufficient to break the tie rods, while the tie rods are still secured by the wedge members, permitting immediate release of the wedges without force, and ready removal of the forms; the tie straps also being readily removable or left in place for reuse.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a fragmentary partial sectional view partial plan view of aconcrete form and adjacent concrete with one end unit of the concrete form securing means in position. FIG. 2 is a fragmentary sectional view taken through 2-2 of FIG. 1 with a concrete form securing means in said elevation.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a tie strap performing a part of the concrete form securing means.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view showing a modified form of the tie strap.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view taken in essentially the same plane as FIG. 2 showing the modified tie strap in position.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary view partly in section and partly in plan corresponding to FIG. 1 but turned at 90 and showing a further modified form of the tie strap.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary side view of the tie rod with an end portion of a tie strap shown in section.

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view corresponding to FIG. 2 showing a further modified form of the tie strap utilizing a plug to close a perforation through the form, the section being taken through 8-8 of FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken through 99 of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary side view of an end of a modified tie rod and tie strap.

FIG. 11 is an end view thereof.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged fragmentary view, corresponding to FIG. 1, which illustrates a modified embodiment of the securing means.

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary end view thereof taken from l313 of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a further enlarged end view of the tie strap.

FIG. 15 is a corresponding end view of the tie bolt.

FIG. 16 is an enlarged end view of a modified tie bolt.

FIG. 17 is afragmentary sectional view thereof taken through 17-17 of FIG. 16.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Concrete forms utilize plywood panels 1 which are reinforced or strengthened by a plurality of studs or walers 2. The form may be a single waler type such as illustrated in the drawings, in which only one set of studs or walers are used. In some cases, particularly larger forms, two sets of studs or walers are employed v and are known as double waler forms." This type of form is illustrated by aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 3,417,958. The present is applicable whether a single waler or double waler form is employed.

At predetermined locations adjacent each stud or waler the plywood panel is divided with an aperture 3 to receive a concrete form securing means. The studs or walers may be arranged in pairs at opposite sides of each aperture as illustrated in my previous patent; however, it is preferred to secure a pivot block 4 overlying the stud and adjacent each aperture. Each pivot block is formed of wood having a cross section corresponding to the stud and is secured by a pivot nail 5, preferably the double headed type, in such a manner that the pivot block has limited movement to and from the stud as well as pivotal movement to and from the plywood panel.

Also used as a part of the concrete form securing means are wedge members 6 which per se are conventional, that is, the wedge members are used with other types of devices for securing concrete forms. Each wedge member is in the form of a rectangular plate with longitudinal central portion which has been pressed outwardly to form a wedge surface 7 having a longitudinal slot 8.

In place of the conventional tie rod used with the wedge members 6 a special tie rod 9 is employed. The length of the tie rod is such as to be extended between a pair of forms and through the forms to beyond the studs or walers 2; or, if a double waler form is used, to extend beyond the outermost stud or waler. Each end of the tie rod is provided with a polygonal head 10 preferably hexagonal to receive a wrench or other torquing tool. Spaced inwardly from each head is a flange 11. Within the region of the tie rod to be encased inconcrete designated C is a weakened zone 12 formed by an annular groove or notch. Each weakened zone is close to the surface of the concrete. Adjacent and inwardly with respect to the concrete from each weakened zone is a flattened zone 13 which locks that portion of the tie rod encased in the concrete against rotation.

A tie strap 14 cooperates with each end portion of the tie rod 9. Each tie strap includes a transversely curved inner portion 15 from the inner end of which extends a lateral or radially directed catch tang 16. Each tie strap is formed of spring steel or similar material and the portion thereof extending outwardly from the curved portion 15 forms a leaf spring strip 17. The outer extremity of the leaf spring is folded in the opposite direction from the catch tang l6 and is provided to form a lateral catch fork 18 which is adapted to fit between the head 10 and flange ll of the tie rod 9. The adjacent portion of the leaf spring strip 17 is provided with an offset shoulder 19 dimensioned so as to bear against the flange 11 and hold the catch fork 18 against the corresponding head 10, as shown best in FIG. 2.

Operation of the concrete form securing means is as follows:

In the course of setting up a pair of forms a series of tie rods 9 are threaded through aligned pairs of apertures 3. The pivot blocks 4 are located so as to expose the ends of the tie rods and pairs of tie straps 14 are positioned over the end portions of the tie rods so as to cause the tangs 16 to engage the inner surface of the plywood panel adjacent each aperture 3. The relative dimensions of the apertures 3 and the tangs 16 are such that tangs may be placed by insertion through the apertures when the tie straps are held at an angular position relative to the tie rods.

After the tie straps are in position with their outer ends received between the heads 10 and flanges 11, the pivot blocks 14 are positioned over the tie straps and a pair of wedge members 6 are positioned so that a portion of each end of a tie rod between its head 10 and flange 11 is received in the slot 8 of the corresponding wedge member. In this regard it should be noted that one end of each slot is enlarged so that initially the corresponding head 10 and catch fork 18 may be passed through the enlarged portion of the slot.

The wedge members are then driven downward or sideward in a direction to place tension on the tie rods. In doing so the corresponding catch fork 18 is held against the head 10 so that the corresponding tang l6 bears against the panel 1 to hold the panel in predetermined relationship as to the head 10 of the corresponding tie rods. The tie rods and the tie straps 14 in conjunction with the wedge hold the plywood panels in predetermined fixed relation ready to receive concrete.

After the concrete is poured, and set, the forms may be readily removed by applying torque to the polygonal heads 10 causing the tie rods to break at each weakened zone 12. When this is done the wedge members 6 are readily removed and, by pivoting the blocks 4 clear, the tie straps 14 may be pivoted to effect removal of the tangs through the apertures 3.

By reason of the fact that the tie straps are formed of spring material, the outer extremity of each tie strap may be bent elastically as indicated by dotted lines in FIG. 3 for insertion of the catch fork 18 into position, or removal of the catch fork from the tie rod. Also, the catch fork 18 may be smaller in dimension than the tang 16 so that the tie straps may be positioned originally by being thrust outwardly through the apertures 3 as well as removed through the apertures. If the forms are to be reused, the tie straps may be left in position and the tie rods 9 slipped longitudinally with respect to the tie straps. Also in the first instance of use, the tie straps may be positioned prior to insertion of the tie rods.

References made to FIGS. 4 and 5.

In this construction, the inner end of the tie strap is provided with an inner catch fork 20 which fits over the tie rod and is intended to be driven by a hammer between a stud and the adjacent plywood panel, so that the catch fork 20 is disposed at the outer surface of the panel rather than the inner surface and it need not be inserted through the aperture 3. Functionally, the catch fork 20 operates the same as the catch tang 16. That is, it cooperates with the outer catch fork 18 to prevent inward displacement of the form.

Reference is now directed to FIG. 6, which illustrates another embodiment of the tie strap accessible entirely from the outside of the plywood panel. In this case the tie strap 14 is provided with a semi-cylindrical inner portion 21 having a lateral tang 22 disposed in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tie straps rather than radially thereto. The tang 22 is apertured to receive a nail 23 which is preferably double-headed in the manner of a pivot nail 5. The wood which comprises the studs or walers 2 shrink and expand depending upon their water content, therefore it is preferable to dimension the tie straps so that the tangs 22 are close to the plywood panel to minimize the effect of expansion and contraction of the wood.

Reference is now directed to FIGS. 8 and 9. In order to minimize leakage of concrete through the apertures 3 plugs 24 formed of rubber or other elastomer and having a cross section to accommodate the tie rod 9 may be used. In this case the inner portion of each tie strap 14 is curved to conform to the shape of the aperture 3 and may be provided with lugs 25 which engage the outer end of the plug 24 to prevent its being forced outward by the concrete. This arrangement minimizes the patching or finishing of the surface of the concrete. A further approach is to provide a plug to be received in the aperture illustrated in FIG. 5.

Should it be desirable to arrange the tie rod 9 for reuse, it may be separated into two parts adjacent either or both ends, the inner part terminating in external screwthreads, the outer part terminating in a screwthreaded socket. In such case, the tie rod is uniform in cross section, the weakened portions 12 and flattened portions 13 being omitted so that on disconnection of the screwthreads the tie rod may be pulled free. Lubricant may be used and the rod rotated by use of the hexagonal end. A further alternative also involves a rod of uniform diameter and a conventional bolt cutter is used to sever one headed end to permit the rod to be pulled free by its opposite end.

Reference is now directed to FIGS. 10 and 11. The tie rod 9 is modified by omitting the flanges 11. The tie strap 14 is also modified by providing a clip 26 which is U-shaped in side aspect to fit over a side of the head 10. To effect disassembly, the clip 26 is forced upwardly along the slot 8, as viewed in FIG. 2, until clear of the tie rod head.

Reference is now directed to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 12 through 15. In this construction also, the tie rod flange 1 1 is omitted. Instead, a small knob or pin 27 projects from the center of each head 10. The-tie strap 14 is also modified by providing a laterally extending clip 28, the width of which 'is greater than the leaf spring strip 17. The clip is provided with a perforation 29 dimensioned to receive the knob 27 of a corresponding head of the tie strap 14. The clip terminates in an outwardly projecting tab 30.

Inasmuch as the tie rod is expendable, that is, intended to be used only once, the diameter of the knob may be quite small. Also, its length is such as to protrude a minimal distance beyond the clip 28. The purpose is merely to hold the tie strap in place until the concrete has been poured and set. To initiate subsequent removal of the form, the wedges 6 are driven upwardly and removed by use of the enlarged openings 7a at the base of the slots 7. Each clip 28 is removed either by use of pliers engaging the tab 30, as indicated by the arrows 31 in FIG. 12, or by use of a screwdriver wedged between the tab and face of the head 10, as indicated by the arrow 32 in FIG. 12. The head 10 may then be engaged to twist the rod until it breaks at its weakened zone 12.

Alternatively, the wedge 6 may be left in place, the clip 28 moved clear of the head 10 for access by a wrench. After the rod 9 is broken and removed, the wedge 6 and strap 14 may be removed as a unit with the form.

Reference is now directed to FIGS. 16 and 17, in which the tie rod 9 is modified by providing screwthreads 33 at each end to receive a nut 34. A knob 27 projects from each end of the'rod to receive the clip 28. If this construction is used, it is intended that the weakened zones 12 and the flattened portions 13 by omitted and that the rod be lubricated or otherwise prepared so that it may be withdrawn from the concrete. Also, inasmuch as the rod is removable for reuse, the knob 27 and the mating perforation 29 may be increased in size.

While particular embodiments of this invention have been shown and described, it is not intended to limit the same to the details of the constructions set forth, but instead, the invention embraces such changes, modifications and equivalents of the various parts and their relationships as come within the purview of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A securing means for concrete forms having panels and reinforcing studs and perforations adjacent the studs, the securing means comprising:

a. a tie rod dimensioned for insertion through an opposed pair of perforations and extending beyond the studs, the tie rod including a head at each end for receiving a toi'quing tool, and a retaining pin projecting axially from the tie rod;

b. atie strap including an inner end secured to a corresponding form, and a laterally directed outer end having a perforation for engagement with the retaining pin whereby the tie strap is restrained against axial movement relative to the tie rod;

c. and 'a wedge member for each end of the tie rod, each wedge member having a slot for receiving the corresponding end of the tie rod and the corresponding end of a tie strap, whereby the tie straps resist inward movement of the forms and the tie bar riists qu tward movement of the forms.

2. A securing means as defined in claim 1, wherein:

a. the laterally projecting clip terminates in a tab forming a tool engaging means for moving the clip clear of the tie rod head to permit access thereto.

3. A securing means as defined in claim 1, wherein:

a. each tie rod head is screwthreaded on the tie rod for removal.

4. A securing means as defined in claim 1, wherein:

a. a pivotal block is disposed at one side of each end portion of each tie rod and corresponding tie strap, the block being movable clear of the tie rod and tie strap to provide access thereto.

5. A securing means as defined in claim 1, wherein:

a. each tie strap includes laterally extending means at its inner end for engagement with the form, a relative stiff inner portion, contiguous to the rod, and a leaf spring outer portion biased toward the rod.

6. A receiving means as defined in claim 5, wherein:

a. each laterally extending means is a tongue perpendicular to the axis of the tie rod and fitting over a portion of the form to resist axially outer movement of the tie rod.

7. A receiving means as defined in claim 5, wherein:

a. each laterally extending means is disposed in a plane essentially coinciding with the axis of the tie rod and is perforated to receive a nail for attachment to the form.

8. A securing means for restraining a pair of concrete forms against movement toward each other for use in conjunction with a tie bar extending between and through the forms of the bar terminating in headed ends, and wedge members interposed between the ends of the tie bar and the forms, said securing means comprising:

a. a tie strap extending between each headed end of the tie bar and a point adjacent the region intended to receive concrete;

b. means at the inner end of each tie strap for fixing the tie strap relative to the forms;

c. and means at the outer end of each tie strap and tie bar for removably retaining the tie strap thereto including a pin extending axially from each head of the tie bar, and a perforated laterally extending portion at the end of the tie strap removably received on a corresponding pin.

' 9. A securing means as defined in claim 8, wherein:

a. the inner end means is a laterally directed tang adapted to engage a portion of the form.

10. A securing means as defined in claim 8, wherein:

a. the inner end means is a perforated tang disposed parallel to the axis of the strap and positionable along side the tie rod to receive a nail driven into the form. 

1. A securing means for concrete forms having panels and reinforcing studs and perforations adjacent the studs, the securing means comprising: a. a tie rod dimensioned for insertion through an opposed pair of perforations and extending beyond the studs, the tie rod including a head at each end for receiving a torquing tool, and a retaining pin projecting axially from the tie rod; b. a tie strap including an inner end secured to a corresponding form, and a laterally directed outer end having a perforation for engagement with the retaining pin whereby the tie strap is restrained against axial movement relative to the tie rod; c. and a wedge member for each end of the tie rod, each wedge member having a slot for receiving the corresponding end of the tie rod and the corresponding end of a tie strap, whereby the tie straps resist inward movement of the forms and the tie bar resists outward movement of the forms.
 2. A securing means as defined in claim 1, wherein: a. the laterally projecting clip terminates in a tab forming a tool engaging means for moving the clip clear of the tie rod head to permit access thereto.
 3. A securing means as defined in claim 1, wherein: a. each tie rod head is screwthreaded on the tie rod for removal.
 4. A securing means as defined in claim 1, wherein: a. a pivotal block is disposed at one side of each end portion of each tie rod and corresponding tie strap, the block being movable clear of the tie rod and tie strap to provide access thereto.
 5. A securing means as defined in claim 1, wherein: a. each tie strap includes laterally extending means at its inner end for engagement with the form, a relative stiff inner portion, contiguous to the rod, and a leaf spring outer portion biased toward the rod.
 6. A receiving means as defined in claim 5, wherein: a. each laterally extending means is a tongue perpendicular to the axis of the tie rod and fitting over a portion of the form to resist axially outer movement of the tie rod.
 7. A receiving means as defined in claim 5, wherein: a. each laterally extending means is disposed in a plane essentially coinciding with the axis of the tie rod and is perforated to receive a nail for attachment to the form.
 8. A securing means for restraining a pair of concrete forms against movement toward each other for use in conjunction with a tie bar extending between and through the forms of the bar terminating in headed ends, and wedge members interposed between the ends of the tie bar and the forms, said securing means comprising: a. a tie strap extending between each headed end of the tie bar and a point adjacent the region intended to receive concrete; b. means at the inner end of each tie strap for fixing the tie strap relative to the forms; c. and means at the outer end of each tie strap and tie bar for removably retaining the tie strap thereto including a pin extending axially from each head of the tie bar, and a perforated laterally extending portion at the end of the tie strap removably received on a corresponding pin.
 9. A securing means as defined in claim 8, wherein: a. the inner end means iS a laterally directed tang adapted to engage a portion of the form.
 10. A securing means as defined in claim 8, wherein: a. the inner end means is a perforated tang disposed parallel to the axis of the strap and positionable along side the tie rod to receive a nail driven into the form. 